For some University graduate students researching an endangered species of sparrow is not simply for the birds.
Students have been researching Henslow’s Sparrow, a North American bird whose population has fallen drastically during the past 40 years, and they hope to restore the numbers of the declining species.
Laura Palasz, graduate student in the School of Renewable Resources, said this research, which started six years ago, could be used to more effectively protect the species in the future.
“Some of the goals are to ascertain the status of the Henslow’s Sparrow in Louisiana and to try to get an idea of its habitat requirements and winter ecology,” said Palasz, who plans to continue research on the sparrow.
The University is among the top schools for ornithology studies. It leads the nation, along with the University of Michigan, Harvard University and Cornell University, as one of the top schools for ornithology studies. The University’s museum has the fourth-largest university-based bird collection in the world.
Scientists have done little research on Henslow’s Sparrow, and they only have limited information about the species.
“Henslow’s Sparrows are secretive and quiet in the winter, and this makes them difficult to detect,” Palasz said.
The Henslow’s Sparrow is considered a species of concern in Louisiana, and it spends its winter months along the Gulf Coast. Palasz said the Henslow’s Sparrow is one of the fastest declining species of birds in North America, and the number of birds has declined by about 8 percent each year since the 1960s.
Henslow’s Sparrows live in the state’s pine savannas. Palasz said scientists have gathered research from the southeast part of the state in St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, but now she has expanded research sites to Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles.
“By catching the sparrows at different locations across the state, we hope to learn more about their status, ecology and habitat preferences,” Palasz said.
The Henslow’s Sparrow’s habitat is endangered as well.
“This habitat has been reduced to less than 3 percent of its historical land area and is one of the most critically endangered ecosystems in North America,” said Erik Johnson, graduate student in the School of Renewable Natural Resources who has researched the sparrow since 2003.
To study the sparrow Palasz said the bird has to be flushed from the tall grass, and then students surround the bird and net it.
Before the sparrow is released, students run tests to record weight, blood type and body condition.
Palasz said volunteer support is crucial to her research because a team is required to net the sparrows, and more than 40 people have assisted this year in the project.
“This project would literally not be possible without support from volunteers, and I am greatly indebted to them all,” Palasz said.
Johnson said the volunteers also include students from Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University and the University of New Orleans.
 
Contact Justin Fritscher at [email protected]